BROCKPORT, N.Y. –After 27 seasons at the helm, Joan Schockow, the most successful coach in the history of The College at Brockport women's soccer program announced her retirement from coaching effective at the end of the season.
The College at Brockport Athletic Department will host an honorary ceremony in conjunction with the Golden Eagles Oct. 15 contest against SUNY Cortland, Schokow's alma mater. Following the contest, a reception will be held in her honor for all alumni and friends of the program. Schockow has accepted a full time position within the Brockport KSSPE department.
"Even though this is a great opportunity for me, I am still very saddened to give up coaching this wonderful program," said Schockow. "It has been so much more than a job, it has been a part of my heart and soul for the last 28 seasons. I want to say thank you to all the administrators, staff, fans, parents but mostly to the players both current and alumni who have truly made this a wonderful experience that touched my life in so many ways. It most sincerely has been my honor to coach Brockport Women's Soccer. BWS4life. It's about being a part of something
BIGGER than yourself!"
Schockow took over the women's soccer program in 1988 and quickly earned the title of winningest coach in program history after accumulating 31 wins by her fifth year with the program. Today, Schockow is the all-time winningest soccer coach in Brockport history, male or female. Schockow's current record has her just six games shy of the 300 wins milestone, with a career mark of 294-176-38.
During Schockow's tenure, the Golden Eagles program has produced 19 All-Region players, 38 All-State selections and a whopping 98 All-SUNYAC players. Schockow has been named the SUNYAC Coach of the Year five times- 2012, 2008, 2006, 1993, and 1989. The Golden Eagles advanced to their first ever NCAA Tournament in 2006 after winning the SUNYAC Championship.
"We want to express our appreciation to Joan for her dedicated service to The College at Brockport and the women's soccer program" noted Brockport Athletic Director,
Erick Hart. "Joan has been the face of Brockport Women's Soccer for 27 seasons and has positively impacted the lives of many students over her career. While Joan is stepping down from soccer, she will expand her role in the academic setting and will spend her time focusing on the coaching minor in the KSSPE department. Joan will continue to be a part of the campus and we wish her the best of luck in the future."
Before coming to Brockport, Schockow was an assistant soccer coach at her alma mater, SUNY Cortland. The 2008 C-Club Hall of Fame inductee established herself as the premier goalie in the nation, earning First-Team All-American status in each of her four years while leading her team to the national title in 1980 with a victory over UCLA in the US National Championship. She was recognized in Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd" in 1984 for her accomplishments. She previously coached the under-14 Olympic Development Team, and has been the head coach for New York West Olympic Development Program.
Schockow also coached U.S. Olympian and world cup superstar Abby Wambach during the national star's youth soccer days in the Rochester area.
The Golden Eagles will be back in action on Sept. 21 at home against D'Youville College at 7:30 p.m.
